Learn About Cub Scouts

Cub Scouting is the foundation of our organization, designed for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade. This program really involves the whole family as parents pitch-in, plan and deliver activities. Cub Scouting is affirmative and fun focused. There are currently 1.3 million Cub Scouts and 395,000 adult volunteers in the United States.

Ages

Cub Scouts is for boys and girls kindergarten through fifth grade. The entire group is called a Pack. In the Pack youth are grouped into Dens by grade.

Kindergarten: Lions

1st Grade: Tigers

2nd Grade: Wolves

3rd Grade: Bears

4th Grade: Webelos

5th Grade: Arrow of Light (sometime called Webelos II)

Where are Cub Scouts?

Cub Scout Packs are chartered by schools, civic and religious organizations. Click on the button below, to search, and learn about locations and leader information in your area.

What does my child get out of it?

The Cub Scout program is designed to develop physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).

Youth also get a sense of accomplishment as they earn awards, and other recognitions all while having fun.

What does my family get out of it?

The Cub Scout program provides fun activities that whole family can enjoy. Adults can help plan or support a program or event, teach a skill, and possibly become a leader, where you can watch your child, and the other around them grow. Parents also grow new friendships, networking and new skills they can use in their careers.

Older youth can participate in other programs of scouting, while helping and teaching the younger scouts valuable skills. Younger youth typically tag along, participating in family events, looking forward to when they can join Cub Scouts, all while having fun.

Types of Activities

Cub Scouts is a year-round program that offers fun activities that promote character and leadership development. Our program is designed to be hands-on, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in our programs.

While the Pinewood Derby is probably the quintessential Cub Scout event, each Cub Scout Pack determines the activities, based on the interest of the youth, with guidance from parents and leaders. Other events may include but are not limited to:

Hikes

Camping

Fishing

Crafts

Picnics

Community Service

Archery

Nature

Skills

STEM

Games

Field Trips

Parades

Derbies

Songs & Skits

Conservation

...and many others activities, possibilities are endless.

While most activities are done within the Den or the Pack, large group events are hosted for all area Cub Scouts, Click here to see what Camping and Outdoor Adventures are planned in our area.

When / Where / How Long?

The when, where & how long all depends on the Cub Scout Pack and Den.

The Pack (All youth K-5th grade) Typically meet once a month, at a school gym, cafeteria or community center, for about an 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

The Dens (Each grade level) can meet once a month or weekly, in a classroom, community room or even the Den leaders home, these last about an hour, younger dens meetings may be shorter. Treats and games are common, and can include a field trips.

Packs also try to have at least one or more activities per month, location depends on the activity, time can range from a half hour game to overnight camping.

Uniform, Books, Supplies

Each Cub Scout Pack may set a base standard for uniforms, this typically at a minimum is a uniform shirt.

A Cub Scout Uniform consists of the official blue uniform shirt, and can be accessorized with a cap, blue uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief and slide. Girls can choose a blue uniform skort.

Many Cub Scout Packs adopt a t-shirt to wear as an alternative during activities.

Each Den, or grade level has a handbook for each year, Webelos utilize the same book for two years

Other themed Scout gear and supplies can enhance the scouting experience.

New Uniforms, about $25-$45 can be purchased from our local scout shop or the official on-line store, Scoutstuff.org. Some Packs have a hand-me-down program, as youth grow, however many scouts, or more so their parents like to keep intact uniforms, with awards and patches, as mementos, or to hang up on display at the scouts future Eagle Scout Award court of honor.

What does it cost?

Yearly membership and Insurance is about $36, Handbook $8, Uniform and accessories (new) $25-$75. Some Packs will have an activity fee, and Large group events may have an event fee.

Again, these costs can vary by Pack, as a successful fundraiser may cover all the scouts cost for the year, as well as camperships and other scholarship programs to help those who need it.

Health and Safety

A youth's Health and Safety, is always an important part of the scouting program, the BSA has implemented a comprehensive program to protect youth. The beginning of every scout handbook is a pull-out pamphlet that the parents and scouts should review. Every registered leader receives a background check and is required to take and renew Youth Protection Training.

For details on No One on One Contact and Two Deep Leadership review the BSA's Youth Protection at this link.

Special Needs & Assistance

Youth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges are welcome in the Boy Scouts of America. Various accommodations exist to facilitate advancement. These youth do not need to join a special unit oriented to serving members with disabilities, although those exist and may be beneficial in some cases. The severity of disability will indicate how members should be registered.

When knowledgeable parents, guardians, or volunteers are able to provide assistance and oversight, most anyone can be a member. While leaders should be enthusiastic about helping those with special needs, they should also recognize the demands that will be placed on their patience, understanding, and skill in working on advancement.